Albany, N.Y. – (4/01/13) –Senator Greg Ball (R,C,I-Patterson) today announced the 2013-2014 State Budget Senate has included $350,000 in funding to offset the profound impact the closure of the Hudson River Psychiatric Center (HRPC) had on Dutchess County.

This funding will allow Dutchess County to expand community mental health services and diversion capacity to reduce hospitalizations. Ultimately these funds are being use to make our mental health services more effective and efficient which benefits both clients and taxpayers.

“I am happy to announce that working with the County Executive Marc Molinaro we have been able to secure this large amount of funding for Dutchess County. The closure of Hudson River Psychiatric Center has created demand for local services Dutchess County. Funding for programs these is vital for our community and ultimately save taxpayers’ dollars, in the long run,” said Senator Greg Ball.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said, “We continue our transformation of the mental health services delivery model in Dutchess County. Our focus is on prevention, intervention and diversion to achieve better outcomes for those who have mental health needs. We are already achieving successful results, reducing the number of total of psychiatric admissions in 2012 as compared to 2011. This continued state funding will help us to improve on those positive results and we are grateful to Senator Ball for his advocacy and assistance.”

“On behalf of the taxpayers of Dutchess County, I want to thank Senator Ball for his successful efforts,” Dutchess County Comptroller, Jim Coughlan, said. “This funding will help ease the burden on the County budget as we continue to provide needed mental health services.”

In 2012, Dutchess County requested $1.5 million to assist with stabilization as they develop a new service model post HRPC closing. During the 2012-13 budget $800,000 was awarded in “start-up” dollars as well as a commitment to reach the $1.5 million needed over the next three years. This new funding ($350,000) will be used by the County to sustain the 2012 increases in capacity caused by the closing the HRPC and the expansion in capacity of the outpatient mental health clinics.

For more information, please contact Joe Bachmeier at (845) 200 9716.

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About Greg Ball

Assemblyman Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson) is the Senator for New York State's 40th district. A former Vice President of Exceed International Development Corporation, Ball holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the United States Air Force Academy, is currently completing his Masters Thesis of Liberal Studies in International Affairs at Georgetown University, and received an honorable discharge in 2005 at the rank of Captain after service as an active duty officer in the United States Air Force.
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